Treatment FAQ

how to make a chemo treatment

by Mr. Julien Moen II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to prepare for chemo treatment?

Mar 02, 2021 · Coloring books makers, crayons, colored pencils. 3. A Touch of Home. Personalized items from home seem to bring the most comfort to cancer patients. Plus, your body temperature is likely to change throughout the treatment. Having a few things on hand to keep your warm and comfortable may help.

How to get rid of toxins from chemotherapy?

Feb 17, 2020 · Keep a journal. Write down your medical teams' names and the dates of chemotherapy. Between infusions, jot down how much sleep you're getting, what you're eating and how you're feeling. This can help you and your team understand what works best for you. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.

Can other treatments be used in conjunction with chemotherapy?

Jun 18, 2021 · Make sure you let your doctor know if you want someone else who might be able to help you during this difficult time to hear the news. Bring that person with you to your appointments. Decide how you want to make your treatment decisions. You might want to take the lead in the decision-making process.

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Can you do chemo treatments at home?

Sometimes even intravenous (IV) or injectable treatments can be given at home. These treatments might be types of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy drugs.Mar 30, 2020

How is chemotherapy medication prepared?

Before your chemotherapy is mixed:

The pharmacist checks your height, weight and laboratory values to ensure that it is safe to proceed with treatment. A technician gathers all supplies needed to prepare each dose; A second technician mixes each item one at a time. A pharmacist checks the technician's work.

How do I prepare for chemo at home?

You may want to keep bleach or sanitizing wipes around your house. Use gloves when you clean. You may be more sensitive to smells if you're in chemotherapy.
...
You or someone else should disinfect items like these once a day:
  1. Tables and countertops.
  2. Refrigerator handles.
  3. Phones.
  4. Keyboards.
  5. Remote controls.
  6. Toilets and faucets.
Jun 9, 2020

What are the 7 main types of chemotherapy?

Types of chemotherapy drugs
  • Alkylating agents. This group of medicines works directly on DNA to keep the cell from reproducing itself. ...
  • Nitrosoureas. ...
  • Anti-metabolites. ...
  • Plant alkaloids and natural products. ...
  • Anti-tumor antibiotics. ...
  • Hormonal agents. ...
  • Biological response modifiers.

What do I need to buy before starting chemo?

Personal Items
  1. Your toothbrush (especially if you are using a soft toothbrush due to chemotherapy)
  2. A scarf or hat when you have no hair (it gets cold)
  3. Lip balm.
  4. Your medications (make sure to bring along any vitamins, as well as herbal or nutritional supplements you have been using)
  5. Hand sanitizer.
  6. Soft, fluffy socks.
Jan 5, 2020

Where should chemotherapy drugs be prepared?

Direct contact with chemotherapy drugs (HDs), either by handling, reconstituting, or administering, represents an exposure risk. The recommended location for chemotherapy preparation and administration is a quiet, low-traffic room that is dedicated to chemotherapy purposes, free from distractions, and easy to clean.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment
  • Contact with body fluids after treatment. ...
  • Overextending yourself. ...
  • Infections. ...
  • Large meals. ...
  • Raw or undercooked foods. ...
  • Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ...
  • Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ...
  • Smoking.
May 5, 2021

How do you clean the toilet after chemotherapy?

Flush the toilet twice after you use it. Put the lid down before flushing to avoid splashing. If possible, you may want to use a separate toilet during this time. If this is not possible, wear gloves to clean the toilet seat after each use.Nov 22, 2019

How long into chemo do you lose your hair?

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.

What is the toughest chemotherapy?

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is one of the most powerful chemotherapy drugs ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers. Unfortunately, the drug can also damage heart cells, so a patient can't take it indefinitely.

What is chemo made of?

Some chemotherapy drugs are derived from natural sources such as bacteria and plants, while others are made using synthetic processes. There are more than 100 types of chemotherapy drugs on the market approved for different types of cancer.Mar 16, 2022

Is chemotherapy painful?

Does chemotherapy hurt? IV chemotherapy should not cause any pain while being administered. If you experience pain, contact the nurse taking care of you to check your IV line. An exception would be if there is a leak and the drug gets into surrounding tissues.Dec 9, 2019

Is chemotherapy hard?

Going through chemotherapy is tough, so look to your family, friends and your care team for support. The doctors and nurses will do everything they can to make you comfortable. But it’s important that you ask questions and voice concerns, so they can help.

Can you drink water while on chemo?

Not only can this cause you to have low energy, but it can also cause other health issues. So, be sure to drink plenty of water during your treatment. Decaffeinated tea, juices and milk can also help.

How to get rid of cancer in your mind?

Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. That could be something as small as getting dressed up every day, or having a meal with your family. These rituals can help take your mind off cancer.

How to get back to normal after chemo?

1. Get some rest. Fatigue is the most common side effect experienced by cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels.

Can chemotherapy cause fatigue?

Fatigue is the most common side effect experienced by cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels.

Can you eat after chemotherapy?

Keep in mind that many foods may taste different as you go through treatment. For some patients, food may have a metallic aftertaste during and after chemotherapy.

Can you take a nauseous pill before chemotherapy?

Many patients experience nausea during and after chemotherapy. So, get your nausea prescriptions filled before you start chemotherapy, and take them before treatments so they kick in before the nausea does. If your nausea medications don’t work, ask your doctor to try a different prescription.

What to drink before chemo?

Drinking lots of water, green tea (unsweetened) or bone broth* can really help. Drinking lots of liquid before, during and after chemotherapy sessions can also alleviate feelings of nausea and help flush the toxins out ...

How to deal with cancer?

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health 1 Familiarize yourself with calming breathing exercises. Check out this video guide I led. 2 Incorporate mindfulness practices 3 Educate yourself on the mental side of cancer can make the feelings themself feel less daunting. You are not along in these feelings and they are not abnormal 4 Read my post about Managing Cancer Induced Stress & Anxiety 5 Talk to a mental health professional - if the person has experience with cancer patients that is even better (check with your cancer center for referrals) 6 Talk to your doctor about medications you can try. I have been on a low dose Citalopram since the end of chemo and it helped so much. I was also on Ativan for the panic attacks during active treatment. 7 Determine what tools calm you and helps process your emotions. I liked journalling, listening to guided meditation tracks during appointments and reading inspirational stories

Does chemo cause hair loss?

Many forms of chemo will lead to hair loss. Check with your doctor on the specifics of your drugs. If you know the chemo will impact your hair you have a couple of options.

Can chemo cause skin rash?

Chemotherapy can make your skin dry, and irritated, so be sure to moisturize everyday. I also experiences odd acne rashes on my chest, which is a another quite common side effect of the chemo. Also don't be afraid to ask your oncologists for topical steroids if you have hormonal reactions or rashes. PLEASE don't forget your sunscreen as well as your skin is super sensitive to the sun during chemo. There are so many safe sunscreens these days from La Roche Posay, Coola, EltaMD, BareRepublic, and more.

Does biotene help with hair loss?

Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste are wonderful during chemotherapy for maintaining dental care and they won't irritate sensitive gums or mouth sores (another common side effect). 5. Prepare for Hair Loss. Many forms of chemo will lead to hair loss. Check with your doctor on the specifics of your drugs.

How to recover from chemo?

Remember that chemo affects every cell in your body. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice . If you feel ​​ fuzzy brained from the medications, try a hot tub soak.

Does chemotherapy include drugs?

Every chemotherapy infusion includes a mix of drugs. Some are actually cancer-killing drugs, others are medications which help alleviate side effects. Ask questions about all of the drugs you receive, including:

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

If you have side effects from chemotherapy that are bothersome, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, swelling, or unusual pain around the injection site, write these down. Your doctor or nurse will need to know how often you're having problems, how severe they are, and how you're coping.

When is the first round of chemo?

on September 23, 2020. If you're about to go for your first round of chemotherapy, you may have lots of questions along with some fears. Your oncologist will talk about the drugs you will receive and potential side effects, as well as how often you will need to be seen. Yet there are many tips that don't often make their way into those ...

How long before chemo do you eat?

Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Chemo drugs tend to slow peristalsis (digestion and bowel processes), so whatever you eat may be in your digestion for longer than usual and will dry out. 1 

What is the blood test for chemo?

Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy.

Can you drive yourself to chemo?

Some people plan on driving themselves to chemo if their first infusion goes well. Yet there are many reasons why it's beneficial to have a chemo buddy who can drive you, take notes and help ask questions, and keep you company through your infusion.

How to rest after chemo?

After your first chemotherapy infusion 1 Listen to your body. You may want to rest after chemotherapy. Drink water in small sips to avoid dehydration. Eat what you can when you can. 2 Avoid contact with anything that may contain chemotherapy. Chemotherapy leaves the body through bodily fluids during the 48 hours after infusion. Ask your care team how to avoid contact with any fluids or soiled items. 3 Keep a journal. Write down your medical teams' names and the dates of chemotherapy. Between infusions, jot down how much sleep you're getting, what you're eating and how you're feeling. This can help you and your team understand what works best for you.

What to bring to the Infusion Center?

The infusion center has coffee, tea, juice, ginger ale and crackers to eat, and you can also bring special snacks or drinks that appeal to you. Dress for comfort. Wear comfortable clothing with layers, to adjust to temperature changes as needed. You can also bring sweaters, socks, and a hat.

What is the goal of cancer treatment?

Depending on your cancer type and stage, your goals for treatment might be: Cure. When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure .

How to make a reasonable treatment decision?

To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about trustworthy websites, books and patient education materials to supplement your discussions.

How to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision?

Effective communication with your doctor is the best way to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision. To make communicating with your doctor easier, try to: Speak up when you don't understand. If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor.

What to do if you don't feel supported?

If you don't feel supported in your decision-making, contact advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society, which can put you in touch with cancer survivors who may be able to help you through this process. It might help to write down your expectations and preferences before you meet with your doctor.

How to get rid of chemo meds?

Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water, and any non-alcoholic non-caffeinated beverages that you like. On the day before, it prepares your body for the dehydrating effects of treatment. On the day after, it helps to flush the chemo meds out of your system. Pack items that will keep you comfortable and busy.

What to bring to a treatment center?

Many treatment centers will allow you to bring your lunch and light snacks. You can bring books or an e-reader, electronic devices, needlework — whatever you like to do.

How to help with fatigue from cancer?

Keep your body on a schedule. To help cope with the fatigue common with cancer treatment, keep your sleeping patterns consistent: Get up and go to bed around the same time, even on the weekends. Exercise can help too, she adds, even if it’s just 30 minutes of walking divided into 10-minute segments .

What to wear for vein surgery?

Wear layers and loose-fitting clothes that are easy to work with if you need to go to the bathroom. If your treatment requires that you use a port, a small device implanted under your skin that allows more direct access to your veins, wear clothing that permits easy access to it. Ask questions.

What Should I Put In A Bag?

If you’re wondering what to put in a chemo care comfort bag, there are some basic items that are always useful to any cancer patient, mix-and-match as you see fit.

Tutorials To Get Your Chemo Care Bag Started

The beauty of this Create to Donate project is that there are several ways to include handmade pieces. To give you a head start, I have explained some details about each item, as well as included some links to helpful tutorials.

Bring Continued Comfort To Cancer Patients

It’s hard to know what to do when a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer and has to go through chemotherapy.

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